Steve Smith a sure lock for the HOF

[capfolly]

i think Smith can get in. Hopefully the voters look at Steve alittle differently than other recievers. It isn't fair to look at his stats and compare them to guys like Randy Moss, T.O. or Harrison. They played on pass first offenses most of their careers. Steve Smith didn't but in the end may have 12,000+ yards(if he plays long enough which I think he can) and 70 TD's. That impressive for any run based offenive reciever. Also his playoff contribution has to be looked at. When it comes to the playoffs he beats all those names in termsof production. Before Larry fitzgerald broke J.R.'s playoff record last year, Smith had the second highest playoff yardage in 2003/04. and if you take into account his Punt/Kick return yards, rushing yards, the fact he's only 5'9, and the production with a real lack of offensive talant around him for many years may make voters more open to letting him in. He wouldn't be a first ballot unless he wins some rings but he has a chance. Plus alot of HOF guys love him.

[British_Panther]

Now I'm not sure if a lombardi trophy will help Smitty at all, b/c to my knowledge, the hall of fame is strictly based on individual numbers.

Officially yes, but in practice its all about your perceived profile, obviously you have to have the stats.

In the end I think the number 1 thing is being widely thought of as dominant for a long time. This perception arises from a contribution of several factors:

1. High Profile Team, big market and/or successful

2. Performance in big games

3. Leading/near top of yearly stat categories for several years

4. Good career stats

5. Rings

Lets have a look at how Smitty is doing:

1. Panthers are not high profile, probably worst of all worlds, if he was on a worse team he would stand out more, a better team and he would get more coverage.

2. The only big games the Panthers play are in the playoffs. Smitty did great in the '03 and '05 playoffs but nobody really remembers the losers.

3. The '05 triple crown is nice but overall only 2 years top 10 receptions, 3 years top 10 receiving yards, 2 years 10 top TDs, this isn't HOF material at all.

4. The lost years in '01 and '04 hurt him in this, so does a lack of 1200+ yard seasons.

5. Nada

Overall not looking great for him.

[Panthro]

Its the Hall oF Fame not the Hall of Really Good

[Swarly]

He still has plenty of time to pad some stats, but he really needs some more post season stats to really secure a spot. I think as long as we can get a legit QB in here within the next few years he'll have that opportunity.(whether it be Moore or a drafted QB)

[Kettle]

he'll at least be in the Ring of Honor

[Panthro]

he'll at least be in the boxing Ring of Honor

...

[SCP]

In the modern era, there have been 20 WR's inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 17 of those WR's listed below have numbers that I believe will be similar to Steve Smith by the time his career is over. The players in bold are the players I'm absolutely positive Steve Smith will surpass in the next couple of years.

Steve Smith: 574 rec, 8,330 yards, 58 TD's (50 TD's receiving)

Lance Alworth: 542 rec, 10,266 yards, 85 TD's

Elroy Hirsch: 387 rec, 7029 yards, 60 TD's

James Lofton: 764 rec, 14,004 yards, 75 TD's

Tommy McDonald: 495 rec, 6410 yards, 84 TD's

Charlie Joiner: 750 rec, 12,146 yards, 65 TD's

Raymond Berry: 631 rec, 9,275 yards, 68 TD's

John Stallworth: 547 rec, 8,723 yards, 63 TD's

Charlie Taylor: 649 rec, 9,110 yards, 79 TD's

Michael Irvin: 750 rec, 11,904 yards, 65 TD's

Fred Biletnikoff: 589 rec, 8,974 yards, 76 TD's

Paul Warfield: 427 rec, 8565 yards, 85 TD's

Art Monk: 940 rec, 12,721 yards, 68 TD's

Tom Fears: 400 rec, 5397 yards, 38 TD's

Lynn Swann: 336 rec, 5462 yards, 51 TD's

Pete Pihos: 373 rec, 5619 yards, 61 TD's

Dante Lavelli: 386 rec, 6488 yards, 62 TD's

Bob Hayes: 371 rec, 7,414 yards, 71 TD's

If Steve Smith plays 4 more years in the NFL and averages 50 rec, 500 yards, and 5 TD's per season (a very reasonable assumption), his career stats will be this.

774 rec, 10,330 yards, 78 TD's, and those numbers will have surpassed all the players listed in bold. So is there any doubt Steve Smith is a sure lock for the hall of fame???? Lets put this case to rest.

Great post and I agree. I wonder how much stock goes into Super Bowl's won for a player to get inducted?

[STIFFPAWED]

Great post! Not a doubt in my mind he'll be a HOF'r.

[CRA]

well, taking a step back from things.....

I think going forward, that having better stats from guys who played in past eras isn't really a sign players are on the path for the HOF. That is going to happen....imo, it is more about how Steve stacks up against the guys RIGHT now....IMO, his numbers aren't good enough.

For Smitty to make it, I think he needs a ring. I also think he needs to have a good postseason run on his way to get it. If he does that, his postseason numbers who give him enough of a bump to get in over maybe some other current guys.

[CarolinaPride5]

There is no doubt he'll be a HOFer. Imagine if he had a decent QB, no WR would be near him! I have lots of respect for Smitty for staying here. And the best thing about him is... He's from the University of Utah!!

[CRA]

If you let Smith in with his numbers.....then exactly who isn't going to make the HOF from this current era? Smith doesn't have a HOF resume right now guys.

Old guys who made the HOF are going to have worse stats than tons of guys that will never sniff the HOF. Guys play more games now....and the rules have been altered and gamed changed. I'd like to know how Smith stacks up w/ guys who have played during the past 10 years.

[Falcons1stPanthers2nd]

If you let Smith in with his numbers.....then exactly who isn't going to make the HOF from this current era? Smith doesn't have a HOF resume right now guys.

Old guys who made the HOF are going to have worse stats than tons of guys that will never sniff the HOF. Guys play more games now....and the rules have been altered and gamed changed. I'd like to know how Smith stacks up w/ guys who have played during the past 10 years.

This. Steve Smith only played like a top 5 receiver for like 2 years. He's only surpassed double digit TDs once. The man is good no doubt. Is he a HoFer? Not yet.

[panthers55]

well, taking a step back from things.....

I think going forward, that having better stats from guys who played in past eras isn't really a sign players are on the path for the HOF. That is going to happen....imo, it is more about how Steve stacks up against the guys RIGHT now....IMO, his numbers aren't good enough.

For Smitty to make it, I think he needs a ring. I also think he needs to have a good postseason run on his way to get it. If he does that, his postseason numbers who give him enough of a bump to get in over maybe some other current guys.

Exactly. Most of the guys highlighted played decades ago under different rules. Quarterbacks back then didn't have consistent passer rating in the 100s either.

They look at superbowls and stats. So far Smith is not the best guy of his era and has no superbowls. His numbers are not HOF by any means. He wil need 4 or 5 years of doing great and perhaps a ring before I think he will be in the conversation.

[Claws]

I would agree that Smitty is a sure lock. There's been few recievers like Smitty who haven't started any shitstorms for the most part on their team AND have the numbers he does. HoF for sure, I hope.